Secret Gilis Lombok Guide: Island Hopping and Snorkelling from Sekotong
Published: September 2026
The Secret Gilis are small islands off southwest Lombok, reached by boat from the Sekotong coast. For a first outing, Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis make a natural combination of snorkelling and beach time. Gili Gede and Gili Asahan offer a different day, especially if you would like to linger over lunch.
It helps to know that “Secret Gilis” is a loose name for several islands, not one fixed route or a single group of three. Some are close enough to visit together easily; others deserve an outing of their own. The best day is usually the one with time to enjoy the water, rather than a long list of island names to tick off.
Island hopping the Sekotong region of Lombok & The Secret Gili Islands
Which Secret Gilis should you visit?
The first decision is what you want from the day. If getting into the water is the priority, start with the smaller islands around Nanggu. If you would rather combine a boat ride with a leisurely meal, ask about Gili Asahan. A local operator can then suggest a route that makes sense for the conditions.
Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis: an easy first introduction
Gili Nanggu is often the name people encounter first when they look up snorkelling near Sekotong. There is sandy shore as well as snorkelling close to the island, so it works as a place to ease into a boat day instead of spending every minute aboard. The precise spot for entering the water is something to settle with your boat guide on the day.
Gili Sudak makes a natural next stop. It is another island where the shore and the surrounding water are part of the outing. You may see itineraries that pair a snorkel here with lunch, but it is sensible to ask your operator what food options are open when you travel, especially if that meal matters to your group.
Gili Kedis is tiny. Its appeal is the scale of it: you can get off the boat, take in the surroundings and pause for a while without needing an activity to justify the stop. It often appears alongside Nanggu and Sudak on island-hopping itineraries. Gili Tangkong is another nearby name you may come across, and the combination can vary between operators.
For families or anyone who prefers an unhurried day, two satisfying stops can be better than four brief ones. Tell the operator whether your group wants more swimming, more time ashore or simply a comfortable pace.
Island hopping the Sekotong region of Lombok & The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Gede and Gili Asahan: give the western islands their own time
Gili Gede is a larger, inhabited island, with places to stay and eat. It feels different from a quick sand-island stop and is worth considering if you are interested in an island where daily life continues alongside visitor activity.
Further west, Gili Asahan is a good choice when the boat ride and lunch are as important as snorkelling. Nautilus Restaurant, at Gili Asahan Eco Lodge, welcomes visitors who are not staying at the lodge. Its menu has an Italian emphasis, with Indonesian and other options too. Darren and Simone have recommended making lunch there part of an island day.
Nautilus says it does not take table reservations, although visitors can order food in advance. If you are hoping to eat there, check its current service and discuss the timing of your boat return with your operator. That small bit of coordination leaves room to settle in rather than watching the clock over lunch.
There is no need to fold Asahan into a Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis trip just because all four names appear under the Secret Gilis label. Think of them as two possible styles of day, then choose the one that sounds most like your holiday.
What does a day on the water actually involve?
Most trips begin with a short journey to an agreed mainland departure point, where you meet your boat operator. Tawun is an established gateway to the Sekotong islands, but the best place to board depends on the islands you are visiting and the operator you choose. Confirm where to meet, how you will get there and the return arrangement when you make your plans.
From there, an outing can be very simple: a first island to swim or snorkel, another stop for a change of scene, lunch when everyone is ready, and a return while the day still has something left in it. That is an example, not a timetable. Sea conditions, tides and your group’s comfort may lead a guide to suggest different stops.
If you are travelling with children, or with someone who would rather stay dry, say so before booking. Ask about shade on the boat, life jackets in suitable sizes, the ease of getting on and off, and whether everyone can enjoy an island stop without snorkelling. It is also worth checking what equipment and drinking water your particular operator provides.
A hat, sun protection, water, footwear you can use around the shore and a dry bag are useful. Bringing your own well-fitting mask can make a real difference if snorkelling is the main reason you are going. Pack lightly enough that getting between boat and beach stays easy.
Island hopping the Sekotong region of Lombok & The Secret Gili Islands
What is snorkelling like around the Secret Gilis?
The appeal of a snorkelling day here is choice. Rather than setting out for one named reef no matter what, you can ask a local guide which stop is sensible for the day’s wind, tide and visibility. Nanggu and Sudak are established snorkelling destinations, and islands farther west also feature in snorkelling trips.
Conditions are never guaranteed. A photograph taken in clear water tells you very little about what the sea will look like on your date. If somebody in your group is new to snorkelling, tell the guide and ask for a suitable entry point and a life jacket. Nobody needs to swim farther than they feel comfortable to have a good day.
The reef is part of the reason people come, so give it space. Float above coral rather than standing on it, keep fins clear of the bottom and leave fish and other marine life undisturbed. These are easy habits to take into the water, and they help protect the places you have come to see.
Is it worth staying in Sekotong for an island trip?
You can visit the islands from elsewhere in Lombok. Staying in Sekotong changes how the day feels: the boat outing becomes part of your time on the southwest coast, instead of the reward at the far end of a long drive. You also have the freedom to keep another day open if the weather calls for a change of plan.
That is one of the pleasures of staying at The Pinnacle Villa Lombok. The private four-bedroom villa is in Sekotong Barat, with views across the coastal lagoon towards the islands. You can make an island day as active as you like, then come back to the pool and settle in for the evening. There is no need to squeeze a second destination into the afternoon.
Darren and Simone can help guests connect with local boat and snorkelling operators and discuss ideas for the outing. The boat trip is arranged separately, so the route and practical details can be confirmed with the provider for your dates. If you already know that lunch on Asahan is high on your list, mention it when you enquire.
The islands are close enough to shape a stay here, but there is no prize for seeing them all. Choose one good day on the water. Leave enough time to notice the islands you actually visit.
If you are planning a southwest Lombok stay, explore The Pinnacle Villa and get in touch with Darren and Simone about the kind of island day that would suit your group.
Island hopping the Sekotong region of Lombok & The Secret Gili Islands
Frequently asked questions about the Secret Gilis
Are the Secret Gilis the same as Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air?
No. The famous trio is off Lombok’s northwest coast. “Secret Gilis” usually refers to small islands around Sekotong and southwest Lombok, including Nanggu, Sudak, Kedis, Gede and Asahan. The name is used loosely, so check which islands a particular tour actually visits.
Can you visit Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis in one trip?
Yes, they are commonly combined on island-hopping outings from the Sekotong area. Discuss the stops with your boat operator rather than assuming a fixed schedule, particularly if you want more time in the water or a leisurely lunch.
Can you have lunch on Gili Asahan without staying overnight?
Yes. Nautilus Restaurant at Gili Asahan Eco Lodge welcomes outside visitors. It says it does not take table reservations but accepts food orders in advance. Check current service and agree on your boat return before setting out.
Where do boats to the Secret Gilis leave from?
Tawun is one established departure point in Sekotong Barat. Your actual boarding point depends on your operator and the islands you plan to visit, so confirm the meeting place when arranging the trip.
Nautilus Restaurant, a must see when island hopping the Sekotong region of Lombok & The Secret Gili Islands
About Your Hosts
Darren & Simone, Hosts of The Pinnacle Villa Lombok
Darren and Simone are the hosts behind The Pinnacle Villa in South West Lombok, where they welcome guests from around the world to a private, staffed villa overlooking the Secret Gili Islands. Having hosted through every season Lombok offers, from the busiest weeks of the dry season to the quiet green stretch of the wet, they bring firsthand knowledge of the island to every guide on this site, alongside a genuine love for Lombok and desire to share it’s beauty with the rest of the world.
About The Pinnacle Villa Lombok
Perched in the clifftops above the coast in Sekotong, West Lombok, The Pinnacle Villa is a private 4-bedroom luxury escape overlooking the Secret Gili Islands and Mount Rinjani. Wake to morning sunrises and ocean views, swim in the infinity pool and enjoy 450sqm of space designed for slow, secluded island living. Perfect for luxury family holidays, romantic Lombok honeymoons, group escapes, reunions and milestone celebrations. Reach out to your hosts Darren & Simone to know more.
Island Hopping the Sekotong region of Lombok & The Secret Gili Islands